Nayef Aguerd will be first of ‘multiple’ West Ham signings after £25m update – pundit
Nayef Aguerd could be the first of many West Ham signings this summer with a deal reportedly close.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Hammers’ possible first summer signing.
On 4 June, Fabrizio Romano reported West Ham are “getting closer to reaching full agreement” for Rennes defender Aguerd, 26.
On 1 June, The Daily Mail reported the deal will be worth £25million.
West Ham did not strengthen their squad during the 2021-22 January transfer window despite fresh investment from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.
Kenny insists the Hammers have to heavily invest this summer if they want to challenge for Europe again during the 2022-23 season.
“I think they have to [spend], it’s like Leeds in January,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Obviously there were at different ends of the table. West Ham faded away in the end and just missed out on the Europa League.
“That’s why they have to go out and strengthen that squad. Everyone else is going to strengthen.
“If you want to go out there and compete then you have to spend the money and sign multiple players.
“West Ham didn’t do that last season even though they needed to.”
Aguerd, who is capped 19 times by Morocco, made 40 appearances across all competitions during the 2021-22 season.
He also helped his side to a 12th-placed finish in Ligue 1.
In other news, the Hammers have made an approach to sign a breakthrough star after scouting mission.